CampusSports had the opportunity to interview recent Auburn transfer, Antoine Mason. Antoine is the son of former NBA great Anthony Mason. Last year, Antoine is the nation’s leading scorer among returning players, after finishing second last year to Doug McDermott – the NCAA’s fifth all-time scorer – which means he’s in good company.
Coming out of High School what made you chose Niagara?
I chose to go to Niagara because they were loyal. Coming out of high school I had many opportunities to go to other schools, and Niagara was the most loyal school. I also chose Niagara because it was isolated and I can solely focus on school and ball.
What was the most valuable thing you learned while being at Niagara?
The most valuable thing I’ve learned while at Niagara was how to work out and put in extra time. I learned from point guard Anthony Nelson in my red shirt year that I have to put in extra work to be great. I would follow him to work outs and do exactly what he did. After a while it became a habit to put in extra time to work on my game.
How was it having Anthony Mason around? How did your father influence you?
Having my father around was a huge influence on my life. Having him around just to talk sports like football and basketball was fun. My father has a lot of insight especially with basketball. Only someone who’s been in that position previously would under stand. I began to really appreciate having him there to talk basketball when I got older.
Why did you choose to transfer to auburn? Why not stay in Niagara where you were already established? What convinced you to come play with Bruce pearl in the SEC?
When I visited, I thought the campus was beautiful. I’m also very exited to work with Bruce Pearl. Bruce Pearl is a legend in my eyes. I’m very exited about the opportunity to work with Chuck Person as well. Person had a great jump shot and that is an area in my game that I wanted to work on. I’m always looking to change and to improve. It’s going to be my first year as well as his (Pearl). I look forward to challenges. I felt like pairing up with Bruce Pearl would be the perfect opportunity.
Who would you say is your biggest role model? I understand the influence your father must have had, but is there anyone else you’ve looked up to or considered a role model? Who is currently your favorite player?
My father was definitely my biggest influence. My father’s teammates were too, I remember watching him play when I was young and looking up to guys like John Starks. I remember wanting to be just like them. My favorite current player in the game is Dwayne Wade.
So what would you say is the biggest transition from playing up north in the New York area compared to being in Alabama? How’s Alabama?
The biggest difference is the weather. I had to make an adjustment to the heat, I sweat a lot and I had to learn to start hydrating myself. Drinking tons of water daily. Not just on the court when I’m playing but also off the court. Learning to keep myself hydrated off the court has become very important to me.
*Section Photo credit to Michael Hickey, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Howard Smith, USA Today Sports
